Sheffield United: Midfielder is overlooked by Scotland...yet again

John Fleck has again been snubbed by Alex McLeish after being left out of the Scotland squad set to face Peru and Mexico later this summer.

McLeish’s decision to overlook Fleck for March’s friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary raised eyebrows among Sheffield United’s players, with captain Billy Sharp previously using Twitter to ask why his team mate had been ignored by the former Birmingham City manager’s predecessor Gordon Strachan.

But Sharp’s decision to question if Fleck and his team mate and compatriot Paul Coutts were “suspended” has not had the desired effect, with McLeish again choosing not to pick United’s player of the season.

Instead, Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie and Lewis Stevenson of Hibernian have been drafted into the 24 man party which flies to Lima shortly. Another midfielder, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, has been selected after making his debut against the Central Americans.

Fleck, who started his career with Rangers before signing for Coventry City six years ago, has been one of United’s stand-out performers since arriving at Bramall Lane on a free transfer in 2016. A League One title winner in his first season with the club, the 26-year-old was a driving force behind United’s push for the Championship play-offs last term.

The visits to Peru and Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium represent the first phase of Scotland’s preparations for the inaugural UEFA Nations League, which begins with a Group C1 tie against Albania on September 10. They then travel to Israel on October 11 before the return fixture with Christian Panucci’s side on November 17.